Edwin Ross (Pete) Hamilton, Jr., was born to Edwin Ross (Pete), Sr. and Mary Field Hamilton on February 19, 1931 in Shenandoah, Iowa. He grew up in Shenandoah and graduated from Shenandoah High School with the class of 1948.

He started working at Stockstill Service Station before he graduated and continued there after he was married and discharged from the service.

He enlisted in the Air Force on January 3, 1951, and was stationed at Lackland Air Force. He later was stationed at Seward Air Force Base in Tennessee and later at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque until being shipped overseas to the tiny island of Kwajalein.

Upon his return to the states, he was united in marriage to Joan "Reve" Reese on April 2, 1953 at the Methodist Parsonage in Albuquerque. They lived in Albuquerque until his discharge on December 10, 1953, at which time they returned to Shenandoah where he spent the remainder of his life.

In 1955, he took a job at the "Evening Sentinel" pouring "pigs" that were used in the linotype machines. He moved to operating a linotype, then became feature writer and police photographer and later moved to the Editor's desk. He especially enjoyed writing and wrote many feature articles including the daily memories of RAGBRAI that he gathered from other riders and his observations. He worked at the "Sentinel" for 18 years. He continued writing for family enjoyment and has left us with short stories-- nonsense and fact.

He had a secret ambition to be a stand up comic. An unexpected desire by one who seemed so shy. He had a great sense of humor that was enjoyed by those who knew him.

In 1974, he took a job as purchasing manager at Imperial, Inc., a job he held for 22 years.

In his 40's, he and Joan took up golf and enjoyed the sport for many years. They played together and with friends and he enjoyed being part of the older men's group that traveled to many towns in the area.

He served two terms as a member of the City Council, a job that he was dedicated to. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Shenandoah and enjoyed being a part of the Quester's Sunday School Class for many years and later a member of the Forum Class. He served on various committees including the Finance Committee. He was a member of the Men's Brotherhood and worked for many years with the Helping Hands.

He was a boy scout leader and enjoyed going with the troop on an expedition on the waters in northern Minnesota. He also went on several local camp outs including a memorable freeze out at Manti.

He and Joan enjoyed camping for over 50 years, visiting all 50 states and the Providences of Canada. They camped in 48 states. As grandchildren joined the family, they took one or two each year on a camping vacation. These were memorable trips that everyone enjoyed.

He was a long time member of the Elks Lodge, and was an officer many times. He prided himself in having his lines memorized for the meetings. He was honored as the Elk of the Year in 1989.

He joined the Optimist Club and enjoyed the fellowship for many years. He served as secretary and helped with many service activities. He valued his selection as Optimist of the Year Award.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Patrick Hamilton and wife, Ginny; brother-in-law, Richard Kowal; and great-granddaughter, Grace Elizabeth Price.

He is survived by his wife, Joan of Shenandoah; children, Sonia (Lou) Michels of Western Springs, Illinois; Steven (Lee-Anne) Hamilton of Edgerton, Kansas; Sandra Crowdes and friend Steve Harris and Shelly Hamilton of Shenandoah; sister, Mary Jane Kowal of Westchester, Illinois; grandchildren, Erica (Chad) Price of Tecumseh, Kansas; Amanda (Mark) Shore of Shawee, Kansas; Crystal (Jeff) Buckingham of Olathe, Kansas; Nathan (Sarah) Crowdes of Aurora, Colorado; Zachary (Courtney) Crowdes of North Liberty, Iowa; John (Allyson) Michels of Wichita, Kansas; Evan Michels of Chicago, Illinois; great-grandchildren; Christian and Cameron Price; Josie and Mason Shore; Lauren Buckingham; Henry and Riley Crowdes of Aurora, Colorado; and Charlotte Crowdes of North Liberty, Iowa; and many other relatives and friends.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Memorials may be directed to the Methodist Scholarship Fund, Elks Scholarship Fund or Optimist Scholarship Fund.

Burial will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah with military rites by American Legion Post #88.